Improper Eating a Cause of Disease
421
The Ministry of Healing, 318-319
Those who have but a partial understanding of the principles of
reform are often the most rigid, not only in carrying out their views
themselves, but in urging them on their families and their neighbors.
The effect of their mistaken reforms, as seen in their own ill-health,
and their efforts to force their views upon others, give many a false
idea of dietetic reform, and lead them to reject it altogether.
Testimonies for the Church 3:489-490
Ministers, teachers, and students do not become as intelligent as
they should in regard to the necessity of physical exercise in the open
air. They neglect this duty, which is most essential for the preserva-
tion of health. They closely apply their minds to books, and eat the
allowance of a laboring man. Under such habits, some grow corpulent,
because the system is clogged. Others become lean, feeble, and weak,
because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of
food; the liver becomes burdened and unable to throw off the impuri-
ties in the blood, and sickness is the result. If physical exercise were
combined with mental exertion, the blood would be quickened in its
circulation, the action of the heart would be more perfect, impure mat-
ter would be thrown off, and new life and vigor would be experienced
in every part of the body.
Testimonies for the Church 7:74-75
When a physician sees that a patient is suffering from an ailment
caused by improper eating and drinking, yet neglects to tell him of this,
and to point out the need of reform, he is doing a fellow-being an injury.
Drunkards, maniacs, those who are given over to licentiousness,—all
appeal to the physician to declare clearly and distinctly that suffering is
the result of sin. We have received great light on health reform. Why,
then, are we not more decidedly in earnest in striving to counteract the
causes that produce disease. Seeing the continual conflict with pain,
laboring constantly to alleviate suffering, how can our physicians hold
their peace? Can they refrain from lifting the voice in warning? Are
they benevolent and merciful if they do not teach strict temperance as
a remedy for disease?